Max Verstappen brands Isack Hadjar debate 'nonsense' after eye-catching claim

Max Verstappen believes the debate around comments made by Red Bull team-mate Isack Hadjar and the Singapore GP is "nonsense."

On Thursday's media day in the United States, Hadjar claimed that if Verstappen had been driving the Ferrari SF-26 if Singapore, he would have won by a greater margin than the 7.3s he did over Charles Leclerc - as the Frenchman also claimed that the RB22 is not the fastest car on the grid.

Red Bull's recent upgrade in Azerbaijan has unlocked performance from the car, although Hadjar suffered a number of mechanical and technical issues at Marina Bay which did not allow him to contend at the head of the field. 

In contrast, Verstappen claimed pole position in both the Sprint and grand prix, going on to win both for a dominant performance - at a track which was expected to suit Ferrari, with its car considered as the best through the corners.

Leclerc dismissed Hadjar's comments, with Verstappen also taking issue with other drivers being asked about the second-year driver's words. 

"I mean, we're stressing about something that doesn't matter, right?" Verstappen countered to media, including RacingNews365, when asked for his thoughts on Hadjar's claim.

"Yeah, he said it, but okay, let him say that, right?

"I mean, you shouldn't always need to put it forward to the other driver or the other team as you do constantly, trying to agitate people with it instead of just letting it be. 

"That's what I normally do; I'm like: 'Whatever, life goes on, and tomorrow is another day.'

"It was a good qualifying lap. I'm not going to say that it is anything special because it can always be better, but I felt good.

"I felt good with my car, and it is impossible for me to know or say how good a Ferrari is because I've not driven that car.

"And that is why these debates are just nonsense."